Here’s the confirmed Liverpool lineup vs Arsenal today as they play their EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield. The Reds have a real shot at their first final in the competition since 2016.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal go into this one without several first-team stars. The Africa Cup of Nations is the biggest ‘culprit’, taking three players from the Reds and four from their opponents.
Liverpool must try and get by without Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah. No easy task, given the latter, in particular, has carried the team at times this season.
But injuries, too, are a problem. They remove Thiago, Divock Origi and Harvey Elliott from Liverpool’s plans – all three would likely feature if fit.
So let’s see what Jurgen Klopp has gone for in their absence.
Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs Arsenal
Alisson
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Joel Matip
Virgil van Dijk
Andy Robertson
Fabinho
Jordan Henderson
James Milner
Diogo Jota
Roberto Firmino
Takumi Minamino
Subs: Kelleher, Konate, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Tsimikas, Gordon, Williams, Morton.
Alisson
Alexander-Arnold – Matip – Van Dijk – Robertson
Fabinho
Milner – Henderson
Minamino – Firmino – Jota
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Well, Klopp said he might start Alisson in this one and he’s followed through with it. We might have liked to see Caoimhin Kelleher continue in goal but it’s an understandable decision.
The Brazilian has never actually played in the EFL Cup before but having a ‘world-class’ goalkeeper is always going to help. Liverpool will certainly feel more confident with Alisson between the sticks.
Overall, it’s a very strong XI and one that should be able to beat an Arsenal side lacking depth to cover all of their absences. We’re particularly excited to see what Firmino and Jota can do as the ‘main men’ up top – they’ve never really had that chance before.
A lot to look forward to, then – let’s just hope Liverpool can deliver.
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